Christmas Rants

From the Grinch to "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer," Christmas humor is firmly entrenched in our culture. Ironically, there are those who take a bah, humbug attitude to the whole idea, insisting that Christmas is a serious holiday intended for celebration of the Messiah, not for something as frivolous as fun.

People like that have a point... on top of their heads. C'mon now -- celebrations are about having fun, aren't they? And I can't imagine that the Reason for the Season would mind us enjoying the lives that have been given us, can you?

Continue reading "The Joys of Christmas Humor " »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

All Christmas songs are wonderful, but the best Christmas songs match a function's purpose. The songs you play at a kids' Christmas party are naturally going to be different than those you choose for a black tie office event. No matter what sort of party or function you're holding, though, there are thousands of albums of Christmas songs out there, and there's sure to be one or two perfect for you.

Below you'll find a brief description of a few common holiday events, advice on the type of music they need, and a list of specific Christmas albums you can check out and enjoy. It's a surefire shortcut to a perfect Christmas party.

Continue reading "The Best Christmas Songs for Any Occasion" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

There's just something about a traditional Christmas. Depending on your nationality, a traditional Christmas might mean different things. For many people, though, the thought of traditional Christmases brings to mind the classic Victorian or colonial Christmas -- something simpler, more focused on family and less on presents.

Continue reading "Your Guide to a Traditional Christmas" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Do you hate Christmas wrapping? Or is it the highlight of your season? Chances are you fall into one of two categories. One type of person regards their Christmas wrapping as a chore they need to get done. The other sees it as a creative endeavour and enjoys browsing Christmas gift wrap as much as doing their holiday shopping.

Continue reading "Christmas Wrapping Ideas" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

What would the Christmas holiday be without Christmas decorations? From spiritual decorations that reflect the meaning of the season to fun and festive décor, they play a big part and you want them to be pretty and to add to the holiday spirit. Learn how making and decorating with wreaths can do this.

Continue reading "Jazz Up Your Christmas Decorations with Wreaths" »

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

You know, it's no easy task to pare down the lengthy list of Christmas movies to just a wonderful few, if only because it's a given that somebody's favorite is going to be left out. But then we figured, "It's a tough job, but someone has to do it," so we thought we'd give it a try. And here you have it: capsule reviews of five of the Christmas movies that you definitely shouldn't miss this season.

Continue reading "Get in the Yuletide Mood With Some Great Christmas Movies" »

Posted by Andrea | Permalink

Christmas songs... funny how they get stuck in your head in July but when you really need them, you can't remember the words or the names. If your memory needs a little nudge, here are some Christmas songs that will get you started. Browse through the names, do a quick search on the Internet for the words and you're on your way to singing your heart out.

Continue reading "Need Christmas Songs in a Hurry?" »

Posted by Andrea | Permalink

Is there such a thing as too many Christmas gifts? You bet there is. Read the story of our first child's first Christmas and how we handled overzealous, but well-meaning grandparents.

Continue reading "Christmas Gifts and Overzealous Grandparents" »

Posted by Chris | Permalink

Hoping To See You Next Christmas

Yes, it is happening. The end of Christmas is just around the corner. It has a been a interesting season that has been filled with many new and wondrous gifts. But as with all good things, they must come to an end. So here are a few last minute ideas until next year.

Continue reading "Merry Christmas, Until Next Time" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Is Christmas Gift Wrapping Really a Necessity

Christmas gift wrapping and the holiday season are two items that often go hand in hand. But you may be asking yourself, "Do I really need to wrap all the gifts I give?" If you're wondering if there are some gifts you can skip wrapping, here are some rules of thumb to follow...

Continue reading "Christmas Gift Wrapping -- Do I Really Have To?" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

My Family or Yours This Christmas Season?

I know that for some people this may sound like a dumb question, but you may be surprised at how many people find themselves committed to attending several Christmas parties and events. For those of us who have significant others, this is a yearly debate that has been going on for years. "I want to see my parents." and "I want to visit my Grandma." Sound familiar? What is the right way to handle it? Here is some advice.

Continue reading "Who Is Visiting Who This Christmas?" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Calling all Christmas Rants Fans...

Halloween is right around the corner and that means it's time to engage in Christmas conversations once again. What, you ask, does Halloween have to do with Christmas? The swift-footed approach of the spooktacular holiday means we only have about two months to plan and shop for the greatest holiday season of all. Are you ready?

Continue reading "Christmas Season is On Our Heels -- Are You Ready?" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Here's To Seeing You Next Christmas!

Jingle bells are ringing, Santa's packing up the sleigh and the Christmas trees are being buried under by piles of presents as we speak. Tomorrow is Christmas! Before we say goodbye for the year, here are a few last-minute Christmas thoughts we'd like to leave you with.

Continue reading "Have Yourself a Merry, Merry Christmas" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

A Few Things The Ignorant Need To Learn About Christmas

It's time to have a little talk about what Hanukkah and Christmas have in common. At first, I didn't want to use this site to rant about what happened this week, but this is "Christmas Rants" after all so what better place to do it? So here we go -- a lesson on why real Christians aren't anti-semitic.

Continue reading "What Hanukkah and Christmas Have in Common" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Let's Get Back the Spirit of Christmas

The other day I was doing some holiday shopping and after coming across more than a couple of “nasty” people I found myself wondering what ever happened to the spirit of Christmas? After all, it's supposed to be a time of good cheer, kindness, happiness and fun. Why then, the minute I hit the mall, do I run into dozens of people who don't seem to remember the definition of kindness or patience? If you want to avoid becoming one of the “Holiday Nasties” this year, keep these things in mind...

Continue reading "Whatever happened to the Spirit of Christmas?" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

The Black Friday of The Holiday Shopping Season

So, are you going to be brave this Black Friday and hit the stores or are you going to hide under the covers pretending it's not really happening? One thing's for sure -- you're either a Black Friday fan who waits till the doors open (at an ungodly hour) to begin their Christmas shopping or your a Black Friday hater who will avoid the stores at all costs possible on this crazy shopping day.

Continue reading "Are You Ready for Black Friday?" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Christmas Season Is Right Around the Corner

Christmas season is nipping at our heels and guess what everybody? We're baaaack! As the sounds of trick or treat are carried away on the wind the sounds of jingle bells will soon be approaching. Are you ready for Christmas season? If you're not, we're going to whip you into shape quick.

Continue reading "Goodbye Halloween, Hello Christmas Season!" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Christmas Music Makes a Great Gift Too!

Christmas music certainly provides a great way to get into the spirit of the holiday season. The Christmas season just wouldn’t be the same without Christmas music. Try to incorporate Christmas music into your life every day from now until Christmas.

Continue reading "The Christmas Countdown Has Begun, So, Don’t Forget the Christmas Music!" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

What is Christmas Fun?

Based on the current way we celebrate the season, Christmas is a wonderful time of year, so the concept of Christmas fun is not that unusual. However, many people wonder if a serious and major religious holiday should be associated with fun. Despite those concerns, many people still have a lot of Christmas fun -- and rightfully so.

Continue reading "Different Ways We Can Experience Christmas Fun" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

If You’re Planning a Holiday Party, Try the Following Christmas Party Games

If you are having a party this holiday season, you might be interested in the following Christmas party games. A holiday party can be a great way to celebrate the season, but Christmas party games can make the party complete.

Continue reading "Christmas Party Games Make the Holidays Fun" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

What is Operation Christmas Child?

Operation Christmas Child is a Project of Samaritan’s Purse. The purpose of Operation Christmas Child is to provide Christmas to less fortunate children worldwide and to spread the message of God’s love to them.

Continue reading "Operation Christmas Child Helps Millions of Children Worldwide" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

What are Christmas Shoes?

If you hear someone say the words Christmas shoes, you might be wondering just what in fact the person is referring to. Most often when someone says “Christmas shoes” they are referring to the shoes that they plan to wear to Christmas mass. However, for some, Christmas shoes are never worn in church. If you read this, you'll soon understand why.

Continue reading "Don’t Forget the Christmas Shoes This December" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

If You've Been Dreaming of a White Christmas, Try the Following Ideas

If you love having a white Christmas, you might want to try the following tips. A white Christmas is certainly picturesque, but depending on where you live, it is not always possible. That doesn't mean you can't enjoy the beauty a white Christmas offers. If you want a white Christmas this year, follow these white Christmas tips.

Continue reading "Some Great Ways to Have a White Christmas" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

Check Out the Following Christmas Party Ideas

If you are looking for Christmas party ideas, you’ve come to the right place. After all, who knows how to party better than your friends here are Christmas Rants? Read on to find some great Christmas party ideas to help you celebrate the holiday season.

Continue reading "Christmas Party Ideas for This Holiday Season" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Why Not Write Your Own Christmas Poems?

Christmas poems are a great way to commemorate the Christmas season. There are some classic Christmas poems that are well known and provide a great way to celebrate the holiday season. If you enjoy Christmas poems, why not make a few of your own?

Continue reading "Popular Christmas Poems Help Us Celebrate the Season" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

Christmas Games Can Add Excitement to Any Holiday Celebration

Christmas seems to be the most-anticipated holiday of the year, and the following Christmas games can add to your holiday excitement. Why play Christmas games? Christmas games can provide you and your family and guests with an afternoon of entertainment.

Continue reading "Some Christmas Games to Play This Holiday Season" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Some Helpful Tips for Dealing with This Year’s Christmas Recipes

It’s already November and Christmas is quickly approaching, so it is definitely a good time to get all your Christmas recipes organized. Knowing what Christmas recipes you plan to make his December and whether or not your Christmas recipes will turn out well is important to a well-planned holiday. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to Christmas recipe organization, here’s a few tips you can use.

Continue reading "What to Do with Your Christmas Recipes?" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Great Tips for Keeping Track of All of Your Christmas Gift Ideas

There is no right or wrong way to shop for Christmas gifts, but keeping track of all the Christmas gift ideas you think of can be difficult. Each year I used to dream up several great Christmas gift ideas for Aunt Martha, cousin Larry and every other member of my family, but then when it was time to head to the store I couldn’t quite remember what it was I wanted to buy. Over the years I came up with a solution to manage all those great Christmas ideas that pop up throughout the months and weeks before Christmas. If you find yourself in the same boat I was in, you might want to follow my lead.

Continue reading "Want to Organize Your Christmas Gift Ideas?" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Let Your Kids Have More Fun Unwrapping Christmas Presents This Year

Remember how much fun unwrapping Christmas presents used to be when you were a kid? I do. I think unwrapping the Christmas presents was just as much fun (if not more fun) than actually playing with them. When you give your children their Christmas gifts this year, you might consider some unique ways to wrap the gifts. After all, there’s no reason not to add more fun to an already-fabulous Christmas tradition.

Continue reading "Unique Ideas for Wrapping This Year’s Christmas Presents" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year

Well everyone, Christmas is just two days away, bringing our time together to a close. It’s been a blast and I’ve really enjoyed sharing this holiday season with you. We all have. It’s truly been a phenomenal experience.

Continue reading "Christmas Is Around the Corner" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Guilt-free sugar free fudge makes the holiday sweeter.

With all of the calories that assault us during the holiday season, sometimes we can use a guilt-free pleasure that won’t pack on the extra pounds. Whether you’re diabetic and need something to indulge in or you just want a sweet without the extra sugar, this sugar free fudge recipe is sure to please.

Continue reading "Sugar Free Fudge for the Holidays" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

These corn flake wreaths make great Christmas gifts.

Well, there are only a couple more days till Christmas and if you’re anything like me, you’re scrounging around in your Christmas recipes trying to find some gems that you can create to take with you to Christmas dinner. If you’d like something spectacular to take with you to the Christmas table, try these delicious holiday wreaths.

Continue reading "Holly’s Holiday Wreaths" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

How to deal with Christmas Dinner overload.

Can you believe there are only nine more days till Christmas? That’s little more than a week! With Christmas sneaking up on us rather quickly, it got me to thinking about those people who struggle with having too many invitations to Christmas dinner. If you’re one of those people, you’re going to want to take my advice.

Continue reading "Too Many Invitations to Christmas Dinner?" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Holiday fudge makes a great gift this holiday season.

The other night something sweet happened. My neighbor came over with baked goodies for our family. It was a wonderful holiday gift and boy did it taste good. While digesting homemade fudge and peppermint bark, I had a stunning revelation.

Continue reading "Holly’s Holiday Fudge" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Robosapien is now more affordable than ever.

Now that Robosapien’s finally taken a price drop, I think it’s time that I finally get one for my son. He’s been asking for a Robosapien ever since they came out, but at one hundred bucks, I wasn’t going to buy one. Now that they’re down to less than $80 at some stores, I just may surprise him this Christmas.

Continue reading "Robosapien’s Had A Price Drop" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Christmas shopping the weekend after Christmas.

Pretty soon Christmas is going to be over. Thinking that the fun of Christmas shopping will be over too? It doesn’t have to be!

If you thought there were deals to be had during Christmas shopping the day after Thanksgiving, think about the deals you’ll find the weekend after Christmas. After all, stores will be wanting to clear what’s left on their shelves and they’ll be marking items down in order to do that.

Continue reading "Shopping After Christmas" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Great Santa sites of 2005.

It’s the time of year again when that jolly old fellow Santa brings smiles to the faces of children all over the globe. I figured there was no better way to ring in the season than to present you with a top five list of my favorite Santa sites.

Here’s my top 5 list of great Santa sites that you absolutely must visit this holiday season:

Continue reading "Holiday Henry’s Top 5 Santa Sites" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink | Comments (1)

Christmas songs make the season seem brighter.

Hi everyone. Faith here. Christmas is fast approaching and that’s got me humming Christmas music round the clock. I wake up with Christmas music on my mind and I sing Christmas songs to my kids at night. Nothing gets me quite in the holiday spirit like Christmas songs at Christmastime.

Continue reading "Christmas Songs on My Mind" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink | Comments (1)

Setting the right ambiance for Christmas day.

Hi everyone. Noel here. Now that Christmas day is fast approaching, it’s time to start making your entertaining plans. If you’re not holding the holiday at your house, then you can just sit back and relax, but if you’re one of the lucky ones who gets to host this holiday season, you’d better be prepared.

If you’re hosting the holidays at your home this year, I have some great decorating and serving tips for you.

Continue reading "Decorating for Christmas Day" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Practicing holiday safety this Christmas season.

Hi everyone; it’s Holiday Henry here to nag at ya with some Christmas safety reminders. Me and my family love the holiday decorations, but we also know that Christmas safety needs to be at the forefront each and every year. That’s why I’m going to review some Christmas safety tips with all of you.

Continue reading "Holiday Safety at the Forefront" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

How to make holiday punch.

Hi everyone, Holly here. Every year I get tons of people asking me how to make my holiday punch, so I figured this year I’d share it with all of you.

Continue reading "Holly’s Holiday Punch" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Making sure you practice Christmas safety this holiday season.

Hi everyone; Larry here. Christmastime is a time for joy and a time for great decorations, but sometimes those decorations can be hazardous and Christmas safety should be at the forefront of our minds when we’re decorating our homes. I’m going to review some Christmas safety tips with you so we can be sure our friends are safe this holiday season.

Continue reading "5 Steps to Christmas Safety" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Black Friday specials are nothing to laugh at.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Noel here. Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. Tomorrow’s Black Friday and you all know what that means. Great deals to be had everywhere! Whether you’re looking for a CD for little Johnny or a DVD player for mom and dad, stores are going to be having Black Friday specials and this year they’re not just going to be in brick-and-mortar stores. Black Friday deals are going to be online too!

Continue reading "Tomorrow’s Black Friday -- Let the Deals Begin!" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

How to make a holiday table you can be proud of.

Hi everyone, Angie here. Now that the holidays are fast approaching, I thought it’d be the perfect time to discuss ways to make a great holiday table. I love setting the table at my house during the holiday season. On Thanksgiving and on Christmas, I relish in the chore of making sure everything at the holiday table is just right. If you’re setting the holiday table this year, here are some helpful hints.

Continue reading "Making a Great Holiday Table" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

The Corpse Bride is taking Christmas by storm.

Hi everyone, it’s Faith here.

The Corpse Bride -- it doesn’t sound too appealing does it? Then perhaps you’ll be surprised that it’s actually a hit movie that’s taking the country by storm. Released this October, the movie about a man who inadvertently ends up married to a corpse. As gruesome as it may sound, it actually provides for some good entertainment.

Continue reading "Who’s The Corpse Bride?" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

Make sure you don’t forget charity during the holiday season!

Hi everyone, Holly here. The holiday season is here and I’ve been thinking a lot about charity. Our church was handing out brochures this week on the giving tree, letting us know that they’re going to be needing contributions again this year. Without programs like the giving tree and the charity of people around the world, so many people would go without on Christmas day.

If you want to participate in charity work this holiday season, try some of these on for size.

Continue reading "Charity at Christmastime" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

How to succeed at Christmas shopping.

Hi everyone, noel here. If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to start your Christmas shopping. I love to shop and Christmas shopping is one of my favorite parts of the holiday season. To get everyone ready for the Christmas shopping rush, I’m going to share three of my Christmas shopping secrets.

Continue reading "Secrets to Christmas Shopping Success" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Xbox 360 seems to be the hot video game system of the year.

Hi everyone. Larry here. Anyone who knows me knows I’m into video gaming, and this year I want one thing under the tree – an Xbox 360. I’m not sure if that’s going to be impossible or not.

The Big Day

The release date for the Xbox 360 is supposed to be Tuesday November 22. However, many stores have way more preorders than they have Xbox game consoles coming in. So where do you turn to for an Xbox 360?

Continue reading "Who Wants an Xbox 360 This Year?" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Save money with Henry’s Christmas gift tips

Hi Everyone, Henry here. If you’re looking to save money this holiday season, you sure did come to the right place. If you’re feeling the crunch of rising energy costs and you need to save money on Christmas gifts for friends and family, try some of these tips on for size.

Continue reading "Save Money This Holiday Season" »

Posted by Holiday Henry | Permalink

Avoiding a Christmas shopping nightmare.

Hi everyone. Faith here. Let’s face it, not everyone enjoys the thrill of dodging rabid shoppers during the Christmas shopping season.

I’m definitely one of those people who dreads the Christmas shopping crowds and if you’re one of those people too, you can probably use some advice as to how to avoid the crowds this year.

I’m here with three great tips to help you avoid the Christmas shopping crowds.

Continue reading "Three Ways to Avoid Christmas Shopping Crowds" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

No Need to Click Here - I'm just claiming my feed at Feedster feedster:3b276f1e9688f722038511fded790cd3

Posted by Grace Galloway | Permalink

Why charity is so important during the holiday season.

Faith here. We all know that charity begins at home, but how many of us actually do our best to help others during the holiday season. While we are content to sit at home safe, warm and well-fed, how many others out there could use an extra blanket? A pair of mittens? How many honest, hard-working folks really need our charity to make the holiday season special?

Continue reading "Charity at Christmastime" »

Posted by Faith Juniper | Permalink

Christmas just isn’t Christmas without Barbie.

Hi Everyone. Angie here. I’ve been thinking about Christmas and Barbie dolls. What Christmas would be complete without Barbie? After all, almost every little girl has owned one at one time or another. Barbie as a doctor, Barbie as a teacher, Barbie at the beach, Barbie as a rock star -- the list goes on.

Continue reading "Barbie on the Brain" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

Whether or not to get Christmas gifts for your beloved pets.

Hi everyone. It’s Angie again. Who here has pets? I have dogs and cats and each year my husband and I debate about whether or not I should get them anything for Christmas. I say that Christmas should be just as fun for pets as it should be for humans and my husband says Christmas isn’t supposed to be about cats and dogs.

If you’re in a dilemma about whether or not to get Christmas gifts for your pets, do what I do and get them small gifts that the entire family can feel comfortable with. After all, getting your pets a little something for the holiday season can be a way of showing them how much you appreciate their companionship throughout the year.

Continue reading "It’s Christmas for Fido and Fifi Too" »

Posted by Angie | Permalink

How to find the hottest toy of the year without jumping off a cliff.

Hi Everyone, Noel here again. I know, I just can’t seem to shut up when it comes to Christmas and I absolutely have to talk to everyone about getting the hottest toy of the year. Every year has one, whether it be a Furby or a Cabbage Patch Kid or a Tickle Me Elmo.

This year’s going to be no different and while I can’t yet predict which one it’s going to be, I can help you all by giving you tips on how to find the “it” toy of the year as soon as we know what it’s going to be.

Continue reading "The Hottest Toy of the Year: Don’t Be a Lemming" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

How to get away for Christmas vacation without spending a bundle.

Who’s going away for Christmas vacation this year? Unfortunately, I’m not. I went away for Christmas vacation last year, but this year my husband says it’s absolutely out of the question, so no Christmas vacation for Noel. Because of gas prices we can’t even take a road trip for Christmas vacation this year! Can you believe it?

Well, for those of you who do want to take a Christmas vacation this year, I have some great tips for you.

Continue reading "I Deserve a Christmas Vacation" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink

Hi everyone. It’s Noel. Okay, I have to ask it. Who’s sick of getting fat around the holidays? It’s a curse, but it’s one we might as well accept. We are all going to gain weight around the holidays and there’s no way around it. One year I tried to watch my weight during the holidays and I wound up gaining more weight than I had the previous year when I gorged myself.

Continue reading "The Holidays Are Coming -- You're Gonna Get Fat!" »

Posted by Noel Jameson | Permalink | Comments (1)